BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
A 32-year-old man has been arrested and charged with murder over the killing of a 15-year-old boy at Kuava Village, Vella La Vella, Western Province.
The suspect was charged contrary to Section 200, Cap 26 of the Penal Code and is remanded at the Gizo Correctional Facility awaiting trial.
Supervising Assistant Commissioner (AC) Provincial Tex Tafoa said the deceased was with two other boys from the same village when they went to the accused man’s house at the time of the incident.
“While they were standing together, the accused asked the deceased for his kitchen knife, and the deceased handed it over, not knowing what would happen next.
“It was alleged that the suspect then took the knife and stabbed the deceased in the chest,” Tafoa said.
Tafoa said the victim attempted to escape but collapsed and fell unconscious shortly after the attack. He was rushed to Gizo Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Police confirmed that the deceased was a key crown witness in an ongoing murder case dating back to 2024, involving the death of a 70-year-old man from the same area.
Background to the 2024 murder case
In November last year, nine men from Quava Village, South Vella La Vella, appeared in the High Court for the first time after being charged in connection with the alleged murder of a 70-year-old man.
The case, which police say stemmed from a revenge attack linked to sorcery allegations, was briefly heard during the High Court circuit in Gizo.
Crown witnesses, including the now-deceased 15-year-old boy, were called to testify.
However, proceedings were adjourned due to time constraints and were scheduled to resume this year.
According to police reports, tensions between the parties began in 2023 following the death of a boy who allegedly consumed homemade alcohol, locally known as kwaso.
Hostilities escalated, and during the 2024 festive season, the accused allegedly attacked the elderly man, whose body was later found at a plantation near Sagorana.
Police said the attack was allegedly driven by anger and accusations that the deceased used witchcraft to kill a relative of the suspects.
The High Court is expected to resume hearing the 2024 murder case this year, now with one key witness deceased.
For feedback, contact: [email protected]
